Finland or Norway for Northern Lights?

[Milboo]

I have a week in late November where I have the possibility of heading up that way to see the Nothern Lights.

However I am conflicted on which of Norway or Finland will be the better option.

Appreciate any experiences etc

 

[jukebox333]

Re: Finland or Norway for Nothern Lights?

I did Finland back in 2012/3 - a White Christmas (there' a trip report here, that I'll try and find a link for you) - but didnt have a lot of luck.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....os/im-dreaming-white-20c-christmas-46260.html

The reality is, Norway is supposed to have a better chance of clear skies... but if there's no Aurora on the night, you'll see a beautiful sky full... of stars.

Statistically, equinoxes produce the best chance of solar activity - no one knows why. Go knowing you *may* not see them, and just enjoy yourself!

 

[Milboo]

(Grrr I just noticed the spelling error in my title)

Yes - I am definitely aware that the weather etc may not be on my side and may come away without seeing them.

 

[Warks]

Scenery in Norway is much better compensation if you don't see the lights. Finland is nice but it's a lot of lakes and pine forests. Norway... well what more can you say?

 

[AisleSeat]

(Grrr I just noticed the spelling error in my title)

Yes - I am definitely aware that the weather etc may not be on my side and may come away without seeing them.

Yeah, absolutely be prepared not to see them. We went up to Tromso for New Years 2013/2014. The Aurora cycle was at its peak, the sun had apparently "flipped" and was pushing out more solar activity. It was the absolute perfect time to go......yet when we were there it was snowing with a sky full of cloud at night.

 

[phily]

Yes - I am definitely aware that the weather etc may not be on my side and may come away without seeing them.

Indeed. I went to Iceland for a full week in January, and it was full cloud every night.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

I have been to Abisko in Sweden twice now and seen the lights on 6 of 9 nights spent there. Copying and pasting from the Visit Abisko website "Abisko National Park in the Kiruna mountains sets the scene for their arrival with crystal clear skies, pristine snow capped peaks and clean mountain air. Due to its location in a low precipitation micro-climate Abisko has more clear nights than virtually any other of the destinations frequently located within the auroral oval – the area on our planet where the lights are currently visible.".


You can take a train directly to Abisko from Stockholm or fly into Kiruna and visit the ice hotel there as well. I have done both and found the train journey great fun. One piece of advice i would give is to time your trip for a new moon - if the Aurora are weak then the moonlight may ruin the experience for you. Abisko has 200 people which made for a peaceful and secluded stay - i thoroughly recommend it.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Finland or Norway for Nothern Lights?

My vote is Norway (Tromso) no idea what it will be like in Nov. We went early Jan 2016 and hit the jackpot!

 

[Cossie]

Re: Finland or Norway for Nothern Lights?

You can be lucky with the northern lights in Sweden, saw them a long time ago, it was well worth it. Others we met had been waiting a while without any luck and we saw them first night.

 

[N860CR]

Re: Finland or Norway for Nothern Lights?

I'm going to Ivalo (northern finland) early next year. Only decided on that as it was easier to get HEL into a one world award.

I've booked some very unique looking "ice mobiles" that are a cabin on sleds that gets dragged onto a frozen lake for the night

 

[JessicaTam]

(Grrr I just noticed the spelling error in my title)

Yes - I am definitely aware that the weather etc may not be on my side and may come away without seeing them.

Sorted.

I am off to Tromso early next year so reading this thread with interest.